Sunday, December 7, 2014

Until quite recently, I wasn't a big fan of proteas. I felt that they were a bit fuddy duddy, not as cool as lillies or as pretty as roses. (Probably a bit unpatriotic since they are South Africa's national flower!) But all that has changed....I'm not sure if proteas have become more trendy or if I have become more fuddy duddy, but I can't get enough of them now.

When I decided that I need a light and bright painting to liven up this dark corner of my south facing dining room - an extra large king protea seemed the way to go. It then seemed appropriate to put some gorgeous king proteas in vases to seal the deal. What do you think?

I decided to do some searching on the web to see what others ways I could introduce proteas into my home if I was so inclined. This is what I found.

Sunday, November 23, 2014

I started my Alphabet series in January this year. I can't believe that's it taken me almost a whole year to get through it. It has mostly been fun, but there were days when I wondered why I started it! As all bloggers know, sometimes it is easy to come up with new material and other times, it feels like pulling teeth! One of the things that always puts me back on track is when I get comments from readers like these:

Hi Sharon,I just love your blog...all the beautiful images. Sometimes when I need inspiration I scroll back through your lovely posts and my spirit lifts.Thank you for all the gorgeousness you dish up to us!

OH MY GOSH!!!!! You have made me LOVE yellow again......I think the "sunflower era" of several years ago, which I initially loved, and then grew very tired of when is was so overused..... made me steer clear.....but...with your examples...you have breathed new life and sophistication into this golden shade....I'm going for a "walk" through my home to see where I might use it!!.......Thank You......

Sharon,This "yellow" post made me happy. I loved the rooms you've selected (as always) and the subtle use of the color still had a huge effect on each room where you only see a few accents of the color. What a fun year it has been with your alphabet series. Z? That will be interesting, but I trust you have some great ideas.

And the comment that gave me the idea for today's post...

What about ZINC, as in the beautiful ZINC pitchers and pots I love so much for your last alphabet post? Thank you for your wonderful blog! I have so enjoyed the alphabet. I really enjoyed the yellow decor. I recently painted my living room a beautiful grey and I put a yellow hutch in the room. Beautiful contrast of colors. Thank you for so much inspiration!

I am so appreciative of all your comments and emails! Without these it would feel like each post I publish is just going into a big black hole!

On to today's post....zinc. It isn't really a material that springs to mind when thinking about interiors. It's origins date back as far back as the 13th century, and it is still used extensively in industry. When used in homes, it has tended to be very much for utilitarian purposes, until more recently when its popularity has emerged in decorating trends such as vintage, shabby chic, Belgian and industrial inspired decor. It has a down to earth, honest appeal, devoid of bling and ostentation, which is why it appeals to me.

It can be used for a multitude of purposes....table tops for example....

.... cupboard, shelves and desks....

....storage....

...mirrors...

....bathrooms....

....kitchens...

....on your patio...

....in the garden...

...and finally, zinc for Christmas. Yes please!

And that, my dear friends, concludes The Aesthete's Alphabet. I hope you have enjoyed it. I will be back soon with something new.

About Me

I am married with four sons. We live in beautiful Cape Town, South Africa. Interior decorating and design has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I am also an incurable Francophile, enjoy good food and fine wine (actually any wine is fine with me) and generally living well.